brilliant….

thank you, zack, for doing this. it was something i needed to see, hear and reflect on today. and i didn’t even know it. i’m so grateful for this. thank you for the inspiration…g.

Soooo kewl. Perfectly made. What will I be thinking when I’m 80 and on my back and can’t speak? Metallica’s “One” video will probably come to mind. Pull the F-ing plug!

New Kelby Training slogan: Kelbytraining- because somedays you suck and need help.
Thanks for a very inspiring video (this deserves the “best of” award in my opinion).
P.S. You left out the part where you were going to tell us how you go the IKEA sticks. Please update. Cheers, -Matt

I’m speechless…more then that. I’m transfixed in a moment of deep stillness that lasts even now and I feel somehow better. I’m no longer the same. thank you…

I am transfixed … it is relieving to hear someone with Zack’s talent put into words a feeling that is deep inside me, too. Perhaps I didn’t even know it was there. And thank goodness I am not alone in this funk.

Hi everybody, please help me! I can’t see the video!!! I tried all of my browsers but no succes. Any suggestions? Thank you very much.

*R*

I’m in a “I suck” day…
I’m in a “Maybe I’ll suck all my life” moment…
Your words put tears in my eyes.
Patience and perseverance will take me where I want to go.
That… and people like you. Thank for being one of the inspirational souls that make the rest of us suck less.

Moiani

God bless you and your walk Zach

respect

Speechless … totally speechless!!!!! I can honestly say that I’ve not been so transfixed and moved by something before as I was watching Zack’s video. I smiled, I stared, my eyes filled up with water … just so incredibly powerful and so incredibly true.

This video is iconic and needs to be seen by anyone that has ever picked up a camera or indeed anyone who is involved in their own business; I’ve been genuinely moved by this!!!

Thankyou Zack for saying it as it is; thankyou Scott for creating Guest Blogger Wednesday’s and for helping us all to ‘suck’ less, and thankyou to Dave Cross for featuring Zack’s One Light DVD on his blog quite some time back … without which I would have never been introduced to such an amazing photographer.

You guys ROCK!!!!!

Thank You!

That didn’t suck Zack. Thanks man.

Greg

These guest blogs just keep getting better!!! Fantastic video Zack, cause thats how I have been feeling lately!

I guess what stuck out the most to me was how we inevitable compare ourselves to other people. Whether that be our work, our hair, our shoes, our cars, our bank accounts etc.

Kinda sick really.

Great video and excellent perspective. Really a thought provoking piece for me. Thanks Zack for creating this and sharing those thoughts.

Thanks for taking time to do this Zack. The message is great.
As a timelapse lover and creator, I really love the work in this video. I’m also impressed because I’ve never even thought to do one in b&w!
Brilliant.

Truly amazing, I am inspired and very thankful that you took the time to produce something so awesome for us to share.

From the depth of my soul. THANK YOU!

Freakin a, man. awesome! much respect.

This really hit home. I’ve been in a funk as well. Except the opposite.

I’m an oncologist –a cancer doctor. And my funk was that curing cancer, while noble and rewarding, did not allow much in the way of creative expression.

And as we all know- the photo, the blog, the creativeness has to come out if we are to be happy people. It sometimes can not be stopped.

So my funks come and go like everyone else. But its harder to take time off from “curing cancer” than being a photographer. Harder to let the funk ruin your day or week or month.

This video inspired me on many levels. It once again reminded me how important “curing cancer” is. How many people need us and are vulnerable.
And it reminded me how important our art is to ourselves (even if no one ever see it).

I look forward to taking a one light class from you in the future.
Phil Beron

AMAZING video, Zack. Truly and utterly touching and great. Now… We all want to know how you hacked your Flip Mino HD to work with a wide angle and telephoto lens! Do tell! :)

Thank you Jack
This video is amazing and as my wife and I also went trough hard times( she just been healed from a tomur in her brain) and I am so happy everything went well. And as you said she is also my best friend and partner and I know exactly what you mean. All the best for your father, and your words will definitly brind me through the winter.
Thanx and good luck from vienna -austria.
cheers Heinz

I got chills…. this really moved me… gave me the push I needed to look deep inside and think about the path I am on.

Keep doing what your doing Zack! I wish you and your family the best when it comes to your fathers health.

Sincerly.
Hatch

In a world that is filled with egos and facades, I found this wonderfully refreshing. Last night I caught a bit of an interview with Craig Fergusson, and piecing together his talent candidness in hard times with the vulnerability and honesty that you have shown makes the world a smaller place. It makes me realize that we’re all in this together and that no matter how close you are to the top, nobody is bullet proof.

I was once told “Treat everyone as if they have some major concern in their life, because you’ll be right more than 50% of the time.” It all makes me want to be a better person. Thank you for being so honest.

Awesome Zack! You bared your soul and in doing so made me look at mine even closer. Thank you.

WELL DONE. VERY INSPIRING.

holy &$%# this is amazing. Thank you for this – incredible.

For a moment I thought my PC was piped into the IFC on my cable box. Great Stuff. Scot, PLEASE, PLEASE invite Zake back.

Loved that thoughtful clip from your brain.
Made my day! Keep it up.

I just saw the movie “Into the Wild” and your post here reminded me of it. Great insight into your world. Thank you for sharing.

Zack,
This is everything I fall asleep with and wake up with as I go through my life day in and day out. I lost my father a few years ago, he was 57 and I never got to tell him how I felt or ask him how he felt. I’ve since become entranced with the camera and the world I create within the frame. I know I have so much to learn and feel I’ve learned a fair amount already. But your work has been so humbling to me since the day I came across your site last summer. OneLight has given me a whole new way to approach my work and opened the flood gates to take baby steps towards my creative enlightenment. I’m so sorry to hear what your going through, but it’s inspiring to hear how you reinvent yourself each year as the merry-go-round makes another rotation. All I can really say is thank you.

Sincerely,
Jeff

Zack: I SOOO needed that. Haven’t taken a picture in three months. Haven’t opened PS in two months. Been in a funk. Then I made a little animoto for my valentine, entitled Lucky in Love! (http://objectifimagestudios.blogspot.com/2009/02/lucky-in-love.html). Then I saw your vid today. Thanks man. This is important stuff. I ain’t going to set the world on fire tomorrow, but I’m back. Thanks.
gman

Thanks a lot for that Zack. Strange to say it, but that was exactly what I needed to hear right now!

simple. honest. inspiring. thanks!

Seriously … dude. You don’t know how much I needed to hear/see this today.

Thank you Zack.

That was incredibly amazing, I’ve been having a winter of the doldrums with my photography and it was enlightening to see and hear that it happens to others, especially someone who has made their life revolve and evolve with their photography. Thank you for a wake up, that was incredible and my thoughts and prayers to your father.

Zack, what an incredible video. I had no idea what to expect before I played it, and the opening led me down a completely different path of expectations that what I got. It was incredibly moving and inspirational. I found it to be very motivating as a photographer is new to the game. Thank you very much for publishing this.

You brought tears to eyes… thank you! I believe what you said applies to all walks of life! Your video has more insight than I think you intended. I am taking my camera out tomorrow! But I will be thinking of some of your words throughout my 3 jobs!

I pray your father will recover, there is nothing like adversity in life to make one ponder on his own worth. I am in my fifties and know I still have a chance!

Thank you

Thanks for the honesty, the deep emotion you feel! Thanks for considering what you and the rest of us attempt as an art form, automation is killing us!

Thanks Scott and team for allowing Zack to share his world!

Temple Hill

What can I say? Your video has touched me deep inside, right in that dark spot, it has given me hope for the future and courage to keep on pressing the shutter on the camera. You are Fanbloodytastic. God bless you.

You got a new fan. Good stuff fo sure

Brilliant. The most inspirational guest blogger ever. In fact, the most inspirational video I’ve seen in a very long time.

I can’t wait till I suck at photography as little as Zack does.

Two weeks ago I was told there was nothing left that the Dr could do for my Father. Today he came home from the hospital and we have hope. And today, that’s enough.

Thank you for digging inside and giving us a tripple scoop of authentic humanity.

I don’t know you, but today I love you. For real. But in a very straight Texas man to Georgia man kinda way. :)

blessings and peace from a winter time struggler and a spring time dreamer.

Absolutely amazing and inspiring!

Zack…an awesome production. I knew you were a great photographer, but I didn’t realize you were also a philosopher. Thanks for sharing your work, your thoughts, and Meg’s music.

Scott…these guest blogs just get better and better.
Rob

Zack do me one favor, always remember “For every adverse situation comes with it, the seed of an equivalent benefit ” I stand I fall I mess up but every day we wake up we have another chance to get it right. – That’s what Jesus is Redemption.

Thank for being who you are as a person and human being and also being a voice in our subconsious. Thanks Scott Kelby and the Team (Brad) for letting us … Nuff Said !

I didn’t see the film until today. Even after reading all the comments and to some extent knowing what to expect, I got chills. Seriously, chills. I only get that by listening to really, really beatuiful music. The same kind of chills I get from the scene from Shawshank Redemtion, in the beginning of the movie when they do the fly over of the prison. That music touches me in the same way as your little film did.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Wauw. Es hat mich wirklich berührt und mich wieder auf den Boden der tatsachen gebracht.
Amazing. Your video really touched me and helped me to come down to the floor again and to realize that not everything is about business.
Thx!

Wow….thanks for the light at the end of the tunnel…very touching and motivating video. Thanks

Great message. Just yesterday I was somewhat down because I once thought my photography was pretty good, not pro level yet, but pretty good. Lately, though, I’ve been doubting my ability and feeling down. After watching your video I will just pull myself up and try to suck less every day. Thanks Zack and thank you Scott for having him as Guest Blogger.

My thoughts are with your Dad Zack.

This is the best, most inspiring post ever on Photoshop Insider. Thank you so much!

Hypnotic experience.
Took me time to get back from this waking dream.

That was truly awe inspiring. Thanks for bringing things into perspective for us.

Wow. Love it.

You’ve inspired me to go hang out in a coffee shop with my husband tomorrow, because we can. (but never do!)

Man Zack, that is a great video; you go from comedy in to many aspects of the human psyche from soul searching to appreciating ones close to us.
I think the disease of comparing to others was an excellent point and I think closely related to the previous footage about being in a funk of stagnant creativity.
I hate when I find myself comparing myself to others because it usually leads to thinking I’m not good at anything; the flip side to that is when you slap yourself awake from those thoughts, the comparisons lead to admiration, inspiration and motivation for myself to improve. It is a curse that replays itself and I have never really put a finger on it. You articulated it very well with words and imagery.
Sorry about your father, of course you wish him to speak again/converse again. I realize you also may have been saying that to enforce a point. But, I’ll say it anyway, please do not wait for him to talk to tell him what you have to. Tell him now, he will hear.
Thank you for sharing,
Kirk

The medicine i needed right now! Thanks you so much for this!!

Wow… so much honesty. Few have bared their soul that well. Bravo. & Thank You.

–Rich

Really amazing and truly motivating. The way of the Artist…

Thank you.

Just a great video. Thanks so much. I might be a day late watching it, but I’m glad I did!

Zack,

You are a true inspiration. God Bless ! we will be praying for you and your dad. Thanks Scott!

wow. that video totally hit home.

Zack…wow holy crap…. your video blog was awesome. And I can say “holy crap” and know what I’m talking about becuz I’m a pastor. Trust me I know what holy is when I see it… and your blog was so inspiring that it serves up some holiness, like a sunday morning serves up the good Word and a plate of grannies fried chicken after church. Of course now that I think about it, I know what crap is too when i see it…your bog was not crap. So to say “holy” and “crap” together may not be the best statment, so I’ll just say “holy not-crap”. Thanks for posting it. Blessings! Tim

Video was dropping a lot of frames (only video I’m seeing that with today). Is this hosted on YouTube or a similar server that has the bandwidth for serving a bunch of video connections?

Great video…touching…sobering…inspiring. You have a real talent, not only to see life, but to be able to effectively express and communicate those feelings.

Zack,

Can’t really add much to the 400+ comments – expect Thanks. Fantastic perspective and inspiration to be grateful for what you have.

Seems that you figured out a LOT of the important stuff at 36,
Niels

Thanks very much. Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded that it is okay to suck.

Wow, it’s like he reached into my soul and pulled out all the feelings I’m unable to articulate. just a wonderful work of art!

You just made me realize that what we do is LIFE. Without it, we are dried sticks on sale at IKEA…

I watched this video and felt like weeping. I was up late last night editing. Sometimes..I get desperate to make a living in photography so that I can stay home with my 2 special needs kids. I needed to see this video. Zack pretty much said everything I was feeling and wow….intense.
Thanks Zach…I give God the Glory for you. You really nailed it. I must confess…I was excited to get a tutorial about the Ikea gig. I still can’t find my way out of that God forsaken store. Thanks Zack, Thanks Scott..and yes, I affirm Zach..thanks for allowing us to sponge off your knowledge so that we can go one more day with a better image.
In His Grip,
Andrea Hughes

This is the top 1 or 2 videos I have ever seen. I don’t really know what to say . . . I can not even begin to express how thankful I am to see a video like this. During those “dark” times that I go through, I often wonder if others are going through similar stages. Zack’s video is something that touches the soul of photographers and really puts into perspective what we, as photographers, get the opportunity to do. Awesome video Zack!

Please put this on vimeo.com! It can handle the tons of connections and HD nicely. I don’t work there or have any vested interest other than getting this video out to as many people as possible. Playback is sucking as of now and has been for a day or so…

Zach-
Your video was a kaboom to seeing my own endless self doubt that I posted and linked it on my blog for ALL my friends to see.

I am still blown away by how much watching your video has impacted me. Your work is so real, so from the heart and not the head. What comes from the heart goes to the heart and I thank you for taking the time to reveal your thoughts and feelings. I so relate to everything you shared about how you see yourself and your endless search to see and know more.

I’ve been told I have a disease of perception…..that I can’t see myself as others do. Well, you certainly have a disease of perception because you are so naturally gifted you don’t even see it. You are one very gifted person and I feel fortunate to have met you through your video. Thank you Scott Kelby.

Your blog site is now on my toolbar. I will be following along, way behind you, but nevertheless, following along. Please, please keep producing even when you don’t think you have something new to offer. You and your work is SO new!!!! and refreshing.

Gratefully,

Linda

I found watching this video made me depressed at first. I can relate. I’ve been shooting people day in and day out for ten years and feel that sometimes I just want to quit. I feel that sometimes when I see new photographers they don’t know what is ahead. I think that photography for most is this thing that it’s not. I feel that most see it as a way to fulfill this passion they “think” they have. But while it can be a passion, sometimes by fulfilling that passion and doing it over and over and over and over and OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER, you start to hate it…

I feel that you are there. But then you realize that you do love it. I think your point about the winter being a depressing time is also a time of much needed rest and breaking from this thing called our passion. It hurts but we need it. We may lose our minds otherwise.

I am glad to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way. I find it helpful to know that this is common.

Your thoughts on life and what’s important, that’s real. That’s real and too many people think fulfilling their dream is so important that they ignore what’s really important in their lives… Their families, their kids, their wives, their sanity, their health, their souls, their relationships… If you think about it, this is the worst kind of selfishness. Doing something you love so much because you are trying to fulfill a “passion”.

Thank you Zach. I appreciate you being real about this ridiculous inordinate need to be involved in photography. It is okay to be involved. It is okay to have a passion for it. But the reality, it isn’t LIFE, Photography isn’t life. If it is, then you have no life…

I am the mother of two young photographers in beautiful Cape Town South Africa and both are doing so well. I have given them cameras when they were young and saw their transformation from taking just nice pictures to producing art with the camera in their hands. I also see and experience their deep, utter and endless battles with all the work and this thing inside of them, their ART! Your video made me laugh but also put tears in my eyes as I could so relate to it. Thank you for this fresh outlook in the life of a photographer! God bless.

Since I am absolutely speechless, I will just say that I feel the same way as everyone else who has posted. WOW!!!

Simply amazing. Easily the most inspiring blog post on photography I have ever come across. Thank you Zack Arias.

Holy crap that was a rollercoaster emotional ride through your thoughts – and truly incredible! Awesome music too… thanks for sharing an insight into your mind.

Tell your Dad everything you want to as soon as you can as you never know when it’s too late – I didn’t have the luxury (3hrs to make a 24hr+ plane trip) and it mentally screws you up for quite a while. He’s listening…

Wow I was always hesistant to show people my photos because I’m a noob to photography and I’m self conscious about what people would say about my work. I am afraid they won’t like it and they will think I suck. I do suck at it but I’m learning and maybe one day I’ll be good and I’ll maybe one day pay my bills with a camera instead of punching that clock everyday. Thanks zack for making me realize that sucking is part of the journey and thanks scott k. for letting zack on your blog.

All I can say is “Wow”

Just perfect! Thank you so much. . Transform, A word to live by. incredible! just love it.
Thank you for sharing a piece of your heart.

The voice that emerges in this video is awesome. Brilliant. The music by your wife is a perfect complement.

I don’t know if any of you know this, but Zack’s dad just passed away on 2/27/09.
Zack, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. :(
-Mark

Thank you for this great vid..

zach, I feel your pain,
you have given me hope so many times , that I am forever grateful,
I hope you dad is looking down on you, and saying,
Zach, your living your life .
Keep up the good work and rock the one light, lets find some more triangle circles.
Brett
aspiring fashion photographer.
may the lord bless you and your family

This is truly the first time I have had the need to write a comment on any blog, video or tutorial ever.!!! I doubt Zack will read my post but I would like to thank him for his totally unbelievable sentiment. The video will be a favorite bookmark of mine for the foreseeable future.

Thank you. David

I have no doubt in this young man’s future. His message is more powerful than most people with double even triple the years.

With gratitude to Zack Arias.

Monumental….I am speechless.

Awesome job Zack… Perfect timing for this video… Just what I needed!
PS: Now I suck less.

wow i realy love this video, it was if you where talking to my raw soul, i free refreshed, thanks for reminding me of what it to be done

It’s taken me 40 years to realize that my priorities are messed up. My kids are older now and I see a lot of me in them – I will share this video with them…maybe it will click.

Nicely done – All the best!

Amazing, uplifting and inspirational. Well done! Well said!

Right On!!

I’m sorry about your Dad. Tell the nurse to hold sedation for a day… you need to communicate,,, say your peace, and he will HEAR you…and continue to make your mark the way you always have…through art :)
Love and humanity my friend
Db

I just thought I was a good photographer, now I realize I suck, yet Zack has offered hope. Greatness will arrive; just not today, but soon. Thanks Zack . . . .

It’s not often I watch an entire video but I was so drawn into the words. Words I think about in my head every day and were voiced here today! Kudos. Life is short, and we’re all lucky to have the opportunity to express ourselves with a camera!
Carey

nice information..

I truly enjoyed the vid and there were many profound statements made. One question by Zach that stuck with me was, what will be going through our heads while lying on our backs at an old age…….Crazy Nice Zack!

Clemente

PS. Thanks Scott for creating your blog and all that you have done!

Zack,
I know of only one other “educator” in the photography arena that can do what you do. His name is David Williams and what you both do is step back from the boring colour spaces and bit depth and crap and expose your selves and in so doing allow your audience see and identify what it is to work in the industry. Thank you for your inspiration and I hope you have that conversation with your Dad.
Ronan

… though as an Austrian not used to the flow of English in common and English poetry in special I have to comment on this outstanding piece of human depth. After watching this I’m quite sure you as an artist already reached far beyond the point some or the most of us are still hanging around. Thx for the step you gave me the chance to take.
gerhard

Awesome Zack, AWESOME!
Hope you get that time with your Dad.

Honestly, this was really great!
Thanks!

There is SO much truth in this video.
Everyone should watch this even if they’re not a photographer.

powerful. I just watched that video at the exact right time. thanks Zack

Truly inspirational, and so in tune to where I was at the end of the year. Lost my job,
trying to make my bills with my camera. Started a community website and your words of honest wisdom are now etched into my thoughts.
awesome!

This is really very good website to know various types of information.

Wow!

This is an inspirational video, I love his work and the One Light DVD open my eyes a photography. Thanks

Great video Zach. I would never pay 150 bucks for sticks though. That would be just bad form. lol.

Truly makes you take a step back and look… REALLY look at what youre doing. Think, work, think again then get out there and do it. Even if you fall flat on yer ass… get up and do it again. Thanks Scott for makin this happen and thanks Zack for making this period.

brought a tear to my eye…you are an inspiration Zach

That was very inspirational. Fantastic stuff. Puts a LOT of things into perspective. Thank you.

Thank you for this. Thank you so much.

I’ll see you in heaven.

Father, bless Zack and his dad in Jesus’ name.

Ronald

Good decision,Gack! Sometimes video can express more than words on the screen. Really I enjoyed your exceptional guest blogging today.

I loved the video. I like how Zack’s style is simple, yet sophisticated. Very inspirational.

Oh wow. I saw this six months ago. It moved me. I just found again. I had forgotten how good it really is.

Standing ovation!

Insert concert posters / screen printer / oil painter / tattoo artist, & that’s been me. Except my gigs aren’t seasonal.

These arts aren’t our occupation, they are our profession, like a profession of faith at church. No wonder artists are such a moody group of psychos, every time we’ perform’ for the public & sell beauty to the rich like whores, we reach inside & pull a little piece of our hearts out.

Zack is my new favorite hero.

Is his work any good? ;) haha!

Hi,

I am Boris form Paris!

I am looking for a reliable online seksshop in paris.

When I lived in The Netherlands. I just moved back to paris last august. I used this online seksshop.

I am looking for something similar in France…

Thanks!

Boris

that was amazing. i am a graphic designer but everything you spoke of photography translates almost exactly. it was almost like you reached in my brain and threw my thoughts down on video. this short video is so haunting, touching and inspiring. it inspires me to jump into freelance, as i am a 9 to 5er. unfortunately i don’t have the cojones to make the drastic leap and instead just trudge along punching the clock. maybe this spring i’ll grow a pair. thanks for sharing this with everyone and keep on keeping on.

Thanks Zak. Great video, beautiful self-exploration/awareness. Also the classic introspective view of seasonal affective disorder. A human truism that the creation of beauty requires pain and sadness to put it into perspective, with no way to remove the self-doubt that accompanies it’s creation.
Suggestion: move to Florida.
J

What a great piece…what good word choices. Thank you for reminding me about why I do this profession. We do have the coolest jobs in the world and we all evolve in our own way and in our own time.

Thank you !

Hi Scott,
I ordered thru Amazon the 2nd volume of your digital photography series. They asked me to do a review of it, so I did. It should be in the review section of Amazon.com. I look forward to also buying the 3rd volume. I take mostly pics at rock concerts (just saw for the 3rd time last Friday Deep Purple). It’s a sort of spefic kind of photography as we’re right under the stage and the lighting at these concerts changes really fast, throwing quite often out of whack a camera’s sensor (I have the new Nikon D300s and the D90). Was wondering what kind of tips you could give me for this type of photography.
Ciao from Italy,
Mario Rimati

Stunning – applicable to so much more than just photography. I keep on comin back, and back again to this. I’ve watched it at least 20 times so far, and will watch it again and again. I have Meghan’s music on my iPhone, and it;s kistened to so much as it takes me back to the thoughts here. The most important of which is being there for my family, and having an occcupation that allows me to be there.

Wow! Just. Wow.

I don’t have words to describe what I am now gifted to work through, and I still had to post something. Thank you, Zack.

What a great post ! Thanks !

WOW ! that is the most moving video from a photographer that I’ve seen in …. forever ! Thank you, please do more of this …. whatever it is you call it (that doesn’t matter).
I definitely identify with the depression cycle (it only happens when you’ve time to think & reflect) …. but I think that’s what pushes us to be creative, and ‘acknowledge’ that we live in a world of uncertainty …. it’s everyone else that’s delusional. It’s up to all of us to create the reality we want to live in.
My Philosophy/mantra: Great photographers don’t ‘just’ capture moments … they can create them !!

I could see that video again and again. Something I will do only for my favouritest.
Thanks.

Amazing Zak! Now my wife’s wondering why my eyes are all red.

I absolutely needed that! Thank you! Thank you!

http://www.pvalles.info

Absolutely brilliant.  Thanks for the encouragement and stunning artistry in this film Zack.  

Beautiful Zack. Thank you for bringing in important things like “why”. You are very inspiring – in case you didn’t know :-) Thank you!

Amazing video, love your work zack… You help us suck a lot less too!! :)